10 Reasons United Will Win the League this Season

Whilst most United fans will settle for a top 4 finish this season, the arrival of Louis van Gaal as manager, as well as impressive results in pre-season, have returned the belief to Old Trafford that Manchester United can once again be champions of England. Here’s 10 reasons why…

#1 Louis Van Gaal

After David Moyes’ dismissal last season, United have brought in Louis van Gaal as the man they believe will take them back to the top. A highly successful manager, the Dutchman has won the league title with all 4 of his previous clubs and guided the Netherlands to 3rd place at this year’s World Cup. The Dutchman is not afraid to make the big decisions, understands how to get the best out of his players and he doesn’t accept anything other than 100% from his team. He’s already made plenty of changes since his arrival a month ago and has the big club mentality needed to guide United to success.

#2 3-5-2

One of van Gaal’s biggest changes is switching United to a 3-5-2 formation. The Dutchman claimed he has to set his team up this way as his squad is ‘unbalanced’ and it’s the only way to play everyone in their favoured positions. The system allows for an attacking central trio, with wingbacks and two defensive midfielders to assist the back 3. It’s worked wonders so far and could be key to Premier League success. See here for how van Gaal will accommodate his players in the new system.

#3 Ander Herrera

For a few seasons now United have been looking to bring in a central midfielder to replace Paul Scholes. Could new signing Ander Herrera be the answer? He scored 5 goals and 5 assists for Athletic Bilbao last season and his addition to the squad could be vital to any success.

#4 Last season hurt

United hit rock bottom last season. A 7th place finish was unacceptable and no-one knows this more than the players. Their reputations have been tarnished. This is a group of players with a winning mentality who are desperate to get back to their best. Everyone is predicting United to fare a lot better this time round.

#5 Pre-season results

Whilst it may only be pre-season, the results have given Manchester United fans plenty to be optimistic about. United demolished Real Madrid and edged out rivals Liverpool to win the International Champions trophy, with some brilliant attacking football that wasn’t visible during the whole of last season.

#6 Easy opening few games

Whilst winning the league is a marathon not a sprint, getting off to a good start is key to a title challenge. United’s first 5 games are against Swansea, Sunderland, Burnley, QPR and Leicester and is arguably an easier set of fixtures compared to last year which saw United face Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening 5 games. Getting off to a winning start helps build momentum and a winning mentality.

#7 No European football

No European football at Old Trafford this season will help give van Gaal more time to implement his philosophy in training. Not having a midweek distraction every week will stand United in better stead compared to their title rivals and should keep the squad fresher than their opponents. It’ll also hurt to see the other big teams competing in Europe, and the players will be desperate to get back into the Champions League next season.

#8 Players have a point to prove

You can point the blame at David Moyes for last season, but the players should take responsibility for the way things turned out. They underperformed massively and will want to prove that they are still capable of competing for the title.

9) Rooney, van Persie and Mata

The new 3-5-2 system sees the attacking trio all playing in their favoured positions and could return United to the top. Juan Mata can play behind the strikers in a central role without the need to worry about chasing back and defending. Mata has linked up well with Rooney in pre-season, and if van Gaal can return Robin van Persie to his best form, the trio could be key to bringing United success.

10) Belief is back

‘The biggest club in the world’ is the phrase which van Gaal has used to describe his new club, and it has begun to be repeated by a few of the players already. David Moyes was criticised for saying Liverpool and Manchester City were favourites when they came to Old Trafford last season and that United needed to try and play more like them. You won’t hear that negative attitude from van Gaal. The Dutchman will make the players believe they are the best, giving them the right attitude to go and win back the title.